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- Tasks: Lead a large team in a fast-paced bakery environment, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality products.
- Company: Join Gunstones Bakery, part of the UK's largest food manufacturer with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 24.5 days annual leave, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a respected brand while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience managing large teams in manufacturing; passion for people development and operational excellence.
- Other info: Access to training programmes and employee assistance for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Shift Manager
Location: Dronfield
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Shift Pattern: Week 1: Wednesday – Saturday, Week 2: Thursday – Saturday
About Us
Joining 2 Sisters means becoming part of the UK\’s largest food manufacturer, with a 3 billion+ turnover and over 13,500 employees. Our Gunstones Bakery is a long-standing and respected site, known for producing premium bakery products such as bread rolls and hot cross buns for high-profile retail partners including Marks & Spencer. As part of our continued commitment to quality and excellence, we are investing in strong leadership to help shape the future of this iconic bakery.
About the Role
The Shift Manager will lead a large team of approximately 130 operatives and 7 team leaders, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of the manufacturing process during their assigned shift. This hands-on leadership role is pivotal in driving performance across multiple areas of the factory including dispensary, sieving, dust control, and H&S zones.
You will be responsible for leading end-to-end production operations, managing people, processes, and performance while maintaining high standards of health, safety, and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a large team across 4 baking lines and 5 packing lines
- Ensure safe working practices and compliance with health & safety regulations
- Act as the primary point of escalation during your shift, making fast decisions in critical situations
- Monitor operational performance, drive continuous improvement, and maintain product quality
- Collaborate with other Shift Managers and Senior Leadership Team to ensure seamless coordination across shifts and departments
- Promote a culture of engagement, development, and accountability within the workforce
About You
This role is ideal for an ambitious, experienced leader with a track record in managing large teams in high-pressure environments. You should be passionate about people development, operational excellence, and delivering results.
Key Skills & Experience
Essential:
- Proven experience leading teams of over 100 people
- Strong background in fast-paced manufacturing environments (food, pharma or temperature-controlled preferred)
- Excellent communication skills, with an ability to coach and develop others
- Demonstrated ability to make quick decisions and lead under pressure
- Commitment to health & safety standards with incident management capability
- Willingness to grow within the business and take on increasing responsibility
Desirable:
- Previous exposure to Lean Manufacturing Principles.
- Food Safety Level 3 qualification
- IOSH Managing Safely certification
- Prior experience in FMCG or food manufacturing
- Ambition to progress into Site Management roles
Benefits
- Standard Company Benefits package
- 24.5 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- Career progression opportunities towards Site Management
- Access to training and development programmes
- Employee Assistance Programme and Grocery Aid
- Discount scheme with Boparan Restaurant Group
- Cycle2Work Scheme
Why Join Us?
At Gunstones Bakery, you\’ll be part of a respected heritage brand producing premium bakery goods for some of the UK\’s most well-known retailers. This role offers real autonomy, hands-on leadership, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a stable and supportive environment. If you\’re ready to take the next step in your career and lead at scale, this could be the opportunity for you.
Apply now and become a key player in one of the UK\’s most trusted bakeries.
#meals01
Shift Manager (Dronfield) employer: 2 Sisters Food Group
Contact Detail:
2 Sisters Food Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Shift Manager (Dronfield)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Gunstones Bakery on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing the company inside out. Familiarise yourself with their products, values, and recent news. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've managed large teams and improved processes in high-pressure environments. We want to see your passion for people development!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Gunstones Bakery.
We think you need these skills to ace Shift Manager (Dronfield)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing large teams in fast-paced environments. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our bakery!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about leading teams and driving operational excellence. Share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your commitment to health and safety.
Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills: In this role, quick decision-making is key. Use your application to demonstrate situations where you've had to make fast decisions under pressure. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and lead effectively during challenging times.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Gunstones Bakery. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at 2 Sisters Food Group
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research 2 Sisters and Gunstones Bakery. Understand their values, products, and recent news. This will not only impress the interviewers but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Shift Manager, you'll be leading a large team. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed teams, resolved conflicts, or improved processes. Be ready to discuss how you can apply these skills in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Health & Safety Knowledge
Given the importance of health and safety in this role, brush up on relevant regulations and best practices. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented safety measures in previous roles and how you plan to maintain high standards at Gunstones Bakery.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making skills under pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to make quick decisions or handle crises. Practising these responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.